Located in the heart of Italy, Umbria is one of the country's more relaxed regions, with a reputation for natural beauty and producing fine artists. Having lived somewhat in the shadow of its neighbours, Lazio and Tuscany, in recent years Umbria has come to prominence as seasoned travellers seek a more laid back vacation. One of the smaller regions, and the only in Italy to have no coastline or international borders, Umbria has a unique atmosphere and is great place to discover Italian history and culture.
 
The region looks and feels like it comes from another era, the buildings well preserved and the winding roads and pathways around the towns and cities giving Umbria an otherworldly feel, like stepping into a renaissance painting. The three main places to see are the region's capital, the city of Perugia, and the smaller Orvieto and Assisi. If stunning religious architecture is your thing, then the latter's Basilica of St. Francis should be on your must-see list. Saint Francis was of course from Assisi, and visitors can see his tomb and final resting place, as well as his nearby hermitage.
 
Orvieto continues the religious theme with Saint Patricks Well, which is quite a sight, over 200 feet deep with two spiralling staircases taking tourists down to the water below. The Duomo is both historically important and artistically brilliant, one of the country's finest examples of Gothic architecture and art.
 
 Perugia is a classic Umbrian city, with some parts high above on a hill looking down on the buildings below.  The centre of the city has many highlights, including comprehensive museum collections,  many beautiful churches, and plentiful restaurants and cafes hidden amongst the maze of alleyways and undulating roads. Perugia is famous for two foods, pasta and chocolate, and they draw the public as much as any of the cities other attractions. The chocolate festival on Corso Vannucci is a delight for the taste buds and high on the itinerary of any food lover.
 
For those looking to take things a little slower, the medieval town of Gubbio has exactly the kind of chilled out ambience that rural Italy is known for. Two palaces and a monumental cathedral are perfect to explore on a lazy weekend in this hidden hillside gem. Vineyards and olive groves dot the landscape, and remember, tours usually include a tasting session at the end!
 
Umbria offers a taste of Italy's past glories, and any visitor passing up this opportunity to step back in time is missing out on a real treat. So take your time and enjoy the real Italy in Umbria.

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